Golsby Latest Opportunity School Alum

In Photo: Harrison Central Jr./Sr. High School Opportunity School graduate Daniela Golsby and teacher Cindy Lewis celebrate Golsby’s completion of the program. Golsby is receiving her diploma at Harrison Central’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, June 3.

CADIZ- Daniela Golsby made it her mission to finish what she started. On June 3, all of her hard work will come to fruition when she receives her high school diploma at Harrison Central High School’s commencement ceremony.

Golsby, of Cadiz, is the fourth graduate of Harrison Central Jr./Sr. High School’s Opportunity School program. The single mother of two balanced raising her youngsters, ages 5 and 2, with work and schooling to attain her goal.

“This made me know I’m a grownup now and I had responsibilities,” she said. “I want [my kids] to know how to finish what you’ve started. I want them to finish high school and better their lives.”

She was four credits shy of obtaining her diploma but made it work, despite many challenges along the way. Golsby was one of the original program participants and credited her teacher, Cindy Lewis, and others with helping her overcome the hurdles.

“I love Ms. Lewis. She’ll always have a spot in my heart,” Golsby commented. “Everybody at the high school showed me that I had enough faith to finish it. They all gave me a boost to get it done.”

Harrison Central Sr. High Principal Mark Kowalski began the program two years ago in hopes of influencing dropouts to return to class and obtain their diplomas. He said Golsby was there in the beginning and represents what the program is all about.

“Daniela was one of the first recruits and Mrs. Lewis has worked with her. She is our fourth opportunity School graduate and the third this year,” Kowalski said. “We are extremely proud of her.”

Lewis, who coordinates classes along with teacher Rob Richards, is filled with immense joy in seeing Golsby accomplish her goal and considers her a role model.

“I think everybody needs to know what she’s gone through to get here. She’s had the perseverance to continue, and that means anybody else can do it,” Lewis said. “I think she should be someone these kids could look up to. She went against the odds. She came back and had the courage to stay.”

Three previous graduates are now furthering their dreams by going to college or working in a field of interest, and Harrison Hills Superintendent Dr. George Ash said Golsby was another success story.

“The Opportunity School has given students like Daniela the advantage of making their lives better. We have already seen the fruits of the program so far, and Mr. Kowalski, Mrs. Lewis and Mr. Richards have been a vital part of that. It also takes the hard work and fortitude of the students involved to build themselves a better future,” Dr. Ash said. “We are extremely proud of Daniela and wish her the very best in all of her endeavors.”

Golsby plans to continue her education and work in either nursing or the mental health field. This summer, she is taking the first steps towards making it happen by studying at Belmont College. She shared her advice with others who want to improve themselves, saying their best chance is to get an education.

“I’d tell them to stay in school because all the hard work is worth it at the end. I thank Dr. Ash and the teachers who put effort into giving kids like me a chance to finish high school,” she added. “I am happy and my kids get to see what happens after you finish school. I’m really proud of myself.”

Source: Harrison Hills School District

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